Danish Nationals Born Abroad

Danish nationals born abroad may lose their Danish nationality at the age of 22, unless they submit an application to retain it between the age of 21 and 22.

Retention of Danish nationality may be granted in the following cases:

If you are a resident in Denmark, and you apply to retain your Danish nationality immediately before the age of 22. The Danish authorities generally consider a continuous stay where you have registered with the authorities in Denmark (Folkeregistret) of a minimum of 3 months as sufficient in meeting this requirement. Residence in Finland, Iceland, Norway or Sweden for an aggregate period of not less than 7 years equates with residency in Denmark. An application for retention of Danish nationality should not be submitted until your 21st birthday, however, it must be completed before your 22nd birthday.

If you have spent time in Denmark before the age of 22 under circumstances indicating some association with the country.

The total of all stays (holidays and other longer stays) should add up to approximately 1 year, and you should have a working knowledge of the Danish language,

All applications are assessed individually and it is advisable to apply, even if you are in doubt whether you are qualified,

If you have passed your 22 birthday you may still apply, but your total stays in Denmark must add up to at least 1 year.

A lost of your Danish nationality, can render you stateless. For further information please contact the Ministry of Immigration and Integration, Indfødsretskontoret, Slotsholmsgade 10, DK-1216 Copenhagen K, Denmark, Tel.: 0045 72 26 87 00, e-mail: uim@uim.dk. It is advisable to ask the Ministry to confirm the above information, as it may change without the Embassy being notified.

Your application should be sent direct to the Ministry of Immigration and Integration either via e-mail or by post to the above-mentioned address. The application is free of charge.